POKHARA, March 6: Nepali Congress (NC) candidate Yogesh Gauchan Thakali has been elected from the Himalayan district of Mustang, opening the victory tally for the party in the constituency.
Thakali secured 3,307 votes, defeating CPN-UML candidate Indradhara Bista, who received 1,806 votes. Rastriya Swatantra Party candidate Aditya Chandra Thakali came third with 759 votes.
A total of 6,388 votes were cast in Mustang, which has 11,328 registered voters.
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This marks the second term in the federal parliament for the 32-year-old leader. He had also won the House of Representatives election from the same constituency in 2022 and had then become the youngest member of parliament.
Speaking after his victory, Thakali said he would prioritize policies and development initiatives that reflect the aspirations of local residents.
“I will not let the mandate given by the people weaken. Being elected twice is a responsibility, and I will work accordingly,” he said.
He said improving the Beni–Jomsom–Korala road, a national pride project, would be among his key priorities. Thakali also said he would push for policy reforms to address difficulties faced by residents in restricted areas of Upper Mustang.
In addition, he pledged to focus on tourism, agriculture, apple and potato production, and issues related to climate change affecting the district.